The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1887-03-04
DEAR DELIGHT.

mamma" said Edna, with an 1l-sup-
pressed sigh; 1--WE must sell Dear De-
light. We can't afford to keep her. l
always knew it would come to that; but
we have put 1t off till the last minute.
Now, there is no use of waiting any
longer-indeed, we can't wait any
longer. You know we can't, mammal
well, don't suppose we camp said
Mrs. Blair, quietly, wiping away tears
which Edna would not indulge in. ut
doesn't make much difference to me,
Edna; but it grieves me so to see you
deprived of everything"
THAT is just like you, little motherr
said the girl, drawing the grey head
fondly down on her shoulder, and ca
ressing the thin, pale cheeks with a soft
touch. at makes great deal more diff
ference to you than it makes to me.
You are an invalid, and don't know
what you are going TO do without your
morning drives. can walk in town
every morning. l am sure it is great
deal better for me-"
you would try and make me believe
that, anyhow" said Mrs. Blair, looking
at her daughter with a fondness almost
amounting to idolatry.
mo; but it's really So" said Edna.
81 am going to advertise the pony for
sale. See here! How does this soundP
Wanted, purchaser for pet pony
which has been driven three years by
lady. The animal is young. sound, in
good condition, very pretty, and has
good gait either in saddle or harness
Call and see Dear Delight at Blair Cot
tage, Avondale.'
a am afraid it will do only too WELL"
said Mrs. Blair. Everyone who sees
Dear Delight wants to own her."
"'None knew her but to love her,
None named her but to praiseP"
sang Edna, trying to smile as she folded
up the slip of paper and put it into her
pocket. '.Do you remember the Arabs
farewell to his horse, mammal
Ny beautiful my beautiful that standest
With proudiy:arch'd and glossy neck, and
dark and fiery eye,
Fret not to roam the desert now, with all thy
may not mount OH thee again-thOu'rt sold,
my Arab steedP
81 think l know Just how he felt
mamma-how he hated TO take the
strangers gold and give to him the
bridle-rein. But that doesn't make any
difference" she added, bravely. HE
had to do it, and so have !. Dear De-
light must 60"
She said this. and yet the knowledge
that her advertisement had appeared
that Dear Delight was offered for sale
filed her with dIsmay. Two days aft
erwards, when her mother came to tell
her that there was a gentleman in the
parlor, asking to see the pony, she could
hardly restrain a burst of tears.
With a sinking heart she went in to
see tall, bronzed parsonage, who was
the unconscious possessor of very fine
eyes and a smile of rare sweetness.
my name is OlIphant" he began.
frankly. 81 saw your advertisement in
the Times, and, as wanted to buy a
pony for my little sister, | came around
to look at Dear Delight. think that
was the name-wasn't itP Rather odd,
but striking You say she is quite
safeP"
Perfectly" Edna said, in the most
matter -of-fact tone she could command.
Il want to feel quite sure of that"
said Mr. Oliphant. with propitiatory
smile. Because, you see. my sister is
QulIo anu 0Ou y
want her neck broken"
"She couldn't drive safer horse than
Dear Delight"
''Is she afraid of trams?"
mot bit"
docs she shyP"
81 never knew her to-.
perhaps might as we'll ask at once
if she has any faultp" said the gentle
man, quizzically.
And Edna's cheeks flushed with re-
sentiment
'You must not mistake me for u
householder. sirr' she said. proudly.
al beg pardOn!' said Mr.. Oliphant
hastily. 81 am sorry was rude"
Il am not trying TO palm off a poor,
broken-down animal on anyone that
will buy her," Edna continued, with a
suspicious culver of her lip. Nothing
but necessity could induce me to sell
Dear Delight love her like sister,
and-and don't know what | shall do
without her." The poor girls eyes
filled with tears; but she dried them
quickly, and with strong effort she
added: ''0f course it is quite natural
and right that you should be suspicious.
| would be so, too. But you must see
Dear Delight yourself. Will you come
out with me to the stableP'
Certainly" said Mr.. Olfphant in a
sympathetic way.
And they were soon in the pony's
stall, where Dear Delights plump little
body and glossv-black coat at once
secured Mr.. ELEPHANTS approval.
As they came in, the pony gave Edna
neigh of welcome; and when she went
up to pat its smooth, arching neck, il
laid its pretty head atfectionately on
her shoulder. -
"She certainly is very &c ,Ge." said
Mr.. Oliphant smiling at the pretty
picture, and with a certain sense of
envy for the pony.
s'If you wish | will take her out 4"
said Edna, and with her own hands she
soon had hitched Dear Delight to the
pony-carriage. and stool holding the
reins. ''You had best drive her out a
little way" she said, "and see how she
behaves"
"But won't you come. tooP" said Mr..
OliphanL inaulringly. 81 might be q
lhOrae.thief."